Reviews & Summaries

Community Reviews

I read this largely because Patrick Rothfuss (author of The Name of the Wind) gave it a 5-star review, and I have liked his assessments enough to know that I would find a quality book here.

In that, I was definitely not disappointed. It's a fascinating new fantasy world based on Middle Eastern culture and values (rather than the typical European dragons and wizards). The storyline conflict/ problem to be solved was a good one, and the challenges along the way were interesting. Actually, the best thing I can say about it is that it is a great action story... the way action movies are good at, well, action.

The storytelling itself had just a few little things that appeal to my character-loving self a touch less. The deliberately wordy character was sometimes a bit long to read. The young-people-love/not-love thing was a it heavy handed. There were times when I thought there was a little too much telling that could have done better with showing. But it's a debut novel, and it was really, really well done. I am quite sure that my husband (now) and my son (in a couple of years when he is up to this reading level) are going to love it.